Roy Sumang of University of the East. Filoil Flying V Sports Facebook photo
MANILA, Philippines — Roy Sumang took matters into his own hands as University of the East came back to stun erstwhile defending champion National University, 81-68,Wednesday to win the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup championship at the Arena in San Juan.
The Red Warriors, who snapped the Bulldogs’ impressive 20-game streak dating back to last year’s title run, battled back from nine points down late in the third quarter with Sumang hitting clutch shots in style.
Sumang finished with 18 points, highlighted by a pair of jumpers off nifty crossover moves, nine rebounds and six assists.
NU failed to sustain its strong play late with reigning UAAP MVP Ray Parks fouling out with still 5:44 remaining.
With the game still within reach, UE, which bagged its second title after winning it all in 2008, turned to its star playmaker and he delivered.
Sumang, who took home the MVP honor, broke down Jay Alejandro for the fade away before picking Robin Roño apart in the next possession — breaking his ankles on a crisp left to right crossover.
Parks paced NU with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Charles Mammie added 10 points and 21 rebounds. UE also got solid plays from role players Lord Casajeros and Ralf Olivarez.
Olivarez had a team-high 19 points while Casajeros had 16.